Don't Fret! Here's a Really Simple Guide to Hair Extension Removal

Hair extension removal is necessary post three months of getting them on to avoid potential damage that they can cause to your natural locks. Read on to know how to go about this task.

Dhanya Joy

Last Updated: Feb 23, 2018

Hair extensions are accessories that can add a touch of glamor and chicness even to bad tresses. They have become extremely popular over the past few years, and a lot of people are opting to get different types of extensions of different shades. It is also a great choice for people who have very thin or scanty hair, or those who are suffering from baldness. To prevent your natural locks from damage, it is essential that you remove the extensions after about three months. Just as extensions should be applied using a specific method, removing them should also be done by following a specific method. Removing hair extensions requires some amount of patience as it is a time-consuming process, but it can save your tresses from a lot of potential damage and hair loss.

The method used for removing hair extensions will depend on the technique used to apply them. It is best to get them removed at a beauty salon by a professional hair stylist, but if you are confident that you can manage this task by yourself, then here's how you can go about it.

Sewn-In ExtensionsMaterials Required:

Scissors

Wide-toothed comb

Shampoo and Conditioner

Method:

Removing sewn-in extensions is a bit complicated and difficult, and could also cause a lot of hair loss if not done systematically. So, be very careful when you are doing this all by yourself. For this, you will need to identify and locate the thread that has been sewn into your natural hair. Once you have located the thread, carefully cut it out using a pair of scissors without chopping off your natural hair. Pull off the extension from your natural hair using your fingers. Repeat this procedure for all the individual extensions. After this, comb your hair thoroughly using a wide-toothed comb until it is completely detangled. Do not be harsh or use force on your tresses. Once all the hair is completely detangled, shampoo and condition it as usual.

Micro Cylinder / Micro RingMaterials Required:

Pliers and Ring remover

Wide-toothed comb

Shampoo and Conditioner

Method:

This type of extensions too need a lot of care during their removal. For this task, you will first need to locate the spot where the extensions have been attached or crimped onto your hair. Once located, if the ring of the extension is not damaged, use a plier to uncrimp and detach it from your natural hair. If the ring is damaged, use a ring remover tool to detach them. Once all the extensions are off, comb your hair thoroughly, and shampoo and condition it as usual.

Glued-In ExtensionsMaterials Required:

Glue dissolver

Wide-toothed comb

Shampoo and Conditioner

Method:

Removing these hair extensions can cause a lot of damage to your locks, so you need to be really gentle and careful while doing this. Begin with applying the glue dissolver at the base of the extensions. Work it up for a minute and a half, or until you start feeling the loosening up of the extensions. Use a wide-toothed comb to gently remove the strands through the length of your hair. Repeat this for all the extensions and then thoroughly comb your hair once you are done. Follow it up with shampooing and conditioning.

Thermal and Cold Fusion ExtensionsMaterials Required:

Bond Remover

Wide-toothed comb

Bond removal shampoo and conditioner

Method:

This type of hair extension is best removed at a beauty salon. To do it at home, you need to apply the bond remover to the base of the extension, work it up thoroughly, and leave it on for around ten minutes until the bond loosens. Then, comb out the extensions with a wide-toothed comb, shampoo with a bond removal shampoo, and follow it up with a bond removal conditioner.

Clip-In ExtensionsThese type of hair extensions are the easiest to remove at home. You just need to locate the extension, undo the clip, and slide it off your hair.

You will need to follow a proper hair care regimen, with the use of appropriate hair care products, post removing all the hair extensions. This is essential to prevent hair damage and maintain the quality of your natural mane.